CINCINNATI—The University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine will host the Third Annual IvaDean Scholarship Benefit Concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, in Kresge Auditorium, 231 Albert Sabin Way.

The event features musical performances by College of Medicine faculty, staff and students, who will “rock” the stage to support the IvaDean Medical Student Scholarship Fund.

The fund, named after IvaDean Lair, assistant dean of the College of Medicine, was created in 2003 by that year’s graduating class as a way to pay tribute to Lair’s “influence on medical students” and provide financial assistance to students burdened by the escalating costs of medical school.

According to Daniel Burr, PhD, assistant dean for student financial planning in the College of Medicine, more than half of the 2006 class graduated with over $150,000 in outstanding debt.

“Funds like the IvaDean Scholarship can help provide relief from these financial strains, allowing students to focus more on improving the health care system, rather than how they will pay back their loans,” says Burr.

“Our goal is to alleviate some the stress that naturally accompanies medical school,” he adds. “We want to attract and graduate the best students from diverse social and economic backgrounds, not deter them from pursuing a medical degree due to the cost of tuition.”

Last year, nearly $100,000 was raised to support the IvaDean Scholarship Fund through the benefit concert and other events.

Students are awarded scholarships based solely on financial need. Fourteen students have been awarded scholarships since the 2004-05 academic year.

The benefit concert is open to the public. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling (513) 558-5577. All event proceeds will directly support the IvaDean Scholarship Fund.

Those unable to attend the concert, but wanting to support the fund, can send a check payable to the UC Foundation/IvaDean Scholarship Fund to the IvaDean Scholarship Benefit Concert, Medical Sciences Building, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0552.